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Editor’s Choice – “A fresh, super sweetie. Wonderful aromas of dried pineapple, caramel and butterscotch. Full-bodied and zesty, with loads of sweet fruit and a lively, flavorful aftertaste.” James Suckling

Here comes the good stuff. The 2001 Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé is a knockout wine that represents the pinnacle of quality in a passito dessert wine. This is a wine of profound beauty and soaring aspiration. In my mind, the wine is bigger than the tiny Mediterranean island of its birthplace. This outstanding vintage makes a lasting statement on the potential of air-dried Zibibbo. It embodies so much beauty and complexity starting with its brilliant amber hue and its delicate complexity. The bouquet shows peach cobbler, honey-roasted almond, candied orange zest and Marsala-like caramel. The wine is at a perfect moment in its drinking window and could pair with foie gras or other gastronomic delicacies. Soapy floral tones appear at the back as do dusty mineral notes. This wine really has it all, including crisp acidity that is perfectly matched to the wine’s supple and creamy texture. This is a Sicilian Sauternes.

“A glowing gold in color, its nose of apricots, lavender, raisins and molasses is followed by an equally impressive palate, viscous, admirably sweet but never cloying, balanced and quite focused.” Daniel Thomases

“Wonderful aromas of Muscat, with an exotic character of pineapple, peach and passion fruit. Medium- to full-bodied, very sweet and superfruity. This is always a favorite Italian sweet wine, and it’s well-priced.” James Suckling

The 2003 vintage was also very different on Pantelleria compared to Europe. This vintage brought record heat on the mainland but the tiny Mediterranean island saw enough rainfall to replenish water reserves after three years of drought. Flowering started early and Zibibbo vines enjoyed a long growing season. In fact, the quality here is nothing to sneeze at. Ultimately, this dessert wine is slightly demure, shy and closed. As it takes on more air in the glass, the wine begins to show delicate balsam notes and cola with candied fruit and crushed oyster shell. The finish shows piquant spice with nutmeg and dried ginger that adds to the wine’s elegant persistence. (Monica Larner)

Highly Recommended – “Gentle, pure orange marmelade aromas – fresh and delicious. Caramelised notes of honey and dried figs on the palate. Lifted and carried acidity to aid the sweetness with a long pure and clean length. A great substitute for Sauternes.” Nick Dumergue